One of my favorite aspects of Heather & Jacob’s day was visiting Heather’s grandparents’ house in the middle of Nelson County.  Heather got ready there, and it was such a fun, meaningful environment to shoot in.  I always love the natural light at hotels, but there’s something special about being in a familial setting.  I loved all of the chicken/rooster decorations, which reminded me of my husband’s decor taste. Heather’ grandmother hung out with the girls while they got their hair done, and that was especially sweet.

Heather & Jacob held a beautiful, intimate outdoor wedding at Oak Ridge Estate, a 200-year-old historic property in Arrington. They exchanged vows underneath a canopy of the Estate’s most beautiful trees.  The weather was absolutely perfect–dramatic clouds filled the skies during our couples’ portraits but allowed for rays of sunshine to peek through.  After shooting many sweltering hot and humid North Carolina weddings this summer, it was refreshing to be almost chilly during this wedding!

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So we trekked around all 1.8 square miles of the town, stopping at a cute dock on Carter’s Creek, Historic Christ Church, and The Dog and Oyster– a beautiful vineyard of the town’s famous Bed & Breakfast, The Hope and Glory Inn.
Heather and Jacob were the perfect couple to have this photo adventure
with.  They were extremely easy-going and didn’t balk when I suggested
they crawl underneath the grape vines at twilight.  They brought their
adorable pup, Sadie, who definitely enjoyed her trip to the country and
made a cameo appearance in many of the photos.

Afterwards we enjoyed a bottle of wine and delicious, fresh shrimp
and crab cakes at the Merrior Restaurant in Kilmarnock—just across the
bay.  It was the perfect way to get to know this fun-loving couple.
After spending half a day together chasing light (and dogs) and wining
and dining, I am so excited to spend a whole wedding day with them when
they tie the knot on September 22.

The post Heather + Jacob | Irvington Engagement Session appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

I love shooting bridal portraits because it gives me a chance to get
to know the bride better–or in Jess’ case, to catch up with a friend and
have a photo adventure!  I laughed throughout the shoot because Jess
kept asking me,  “tell me about Africa” or “tell me about Justin.”  At
one point I had to say that I would tell her later over dinner because I
needed her to smile at the camera and not ask me questions.  (I
actually was able to answer her questions during the shoot).    Seriously though, it was really fun to talk to Jess and make some sweet photos with the fading mountain sunlight.

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